Karthika(i) Deepam – Festival of Lights

I actually didn’t have much intention of writing this post eventhough today is Karthika(i) Deepam. What finally forced me to write this post is people searching for details on “Kaarthika Deepam”* and landing up in my blog . Why ? Because my name happens to be “Karthik”. So Google conveniently directs them to my page. (Not that I am complaining) Not so clever, Google!! Definitely room for improvement there.

So whats all the fuss about “Karthika(i) Deepam” ? Firstly, people burst all the left-over crackers from Diwali. 🙂 You are actually supposed to light lamps and hence “Phuljadis” (Sparklers) and “Chakras” , Flower-pots (another cracker**) are acceptable. But bombs are an over kill and annoying at this time of the year. (People who bought surplus of crackers, do tend to retain them for new year too!! I won’t be surprised if someone actually burst crackers for Christmas as well!! We are Indians you know)

When and Why is Karthikai celebrated ?

It is celebrated on the full moon day of Karthikai month. (Karthikai is a month in the Tamil calender.) Generally oil lamps (Agal vilakku) are lit, as this is the custom. But don’t be surprised if someone uses candles or even Electric Lighting!! (We lot are confused when it comes to choosing between customs/culture and advancements. Hence the “Khichdi” – a bit of this a bit of that).

Although I have no idea why it is celebrated or its historical origins , I am told that on this day the women pray for their male siblings. (In return for cash like in Rakhi ofcourse 😉 . No I said that jokingly. I know some people do genuinely pray and stuff.) Lamps are lit in temples and at home. The day after Kaarthikai is called Kuppai Karthikai (I have no idea why!!) and the day before it is caled Bharani Deepam. Some people even light lamps throughout the month of Karthikai.

The temple in Thiruannamalai is famous for Karthikai time lamps I hear.

*-Karthika Deepam and Kathikai Deepam are both acceptable spellings I guess. Karthigai Deepam is also another possible spelling I guess. (Actually some people might also say Deebam or something like that!! Heard of Ragul ? 😀 )

**-Cracker as in an explosive and not what you eat!! Fireworks would be more apt.

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I am Karthik.Welcome to my blog. All of the content on my blog are my own opinions,ideas and crazy notions. It has absolutely nothing to do with my past, present and future employers. My opinions in no way represent the opinions and ideologies of my organization(s). So if at all you decide to file a lawsuit, it will have to be against me, and I assure you, I am bankrupt.

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I am an Electrical and Electronics Engineer by qualification and used to work as a Systems/Software Engineer. I left that job to pursue a Master's Degree in Electronics, (back to square one, I know) and after two years of toil, graduated and have been working as an Engineer in the field of semiconductors, since.
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